When Jake Paul steps into the ring with Mike Tyson, he’s not just facing a man with decades of boxing history—he’s walking into the same territory where once cocky, brash opponents learned the hard way that trash talk doesn’t win fights. In fact, the last fighter who dared to taunt Tyson in the same way Jake Paul is doing now was Peter “Hurricane” McNeely—a man who thought he could take down Iron Mike, only to be humbled in the most brutal fashion.

Tyson’s infamous rise in the 1980s was built on a combination of raw power, speed, and an unrelenting killer instinct. But it wasn’t just his fists that made Tyson a legend—it was the psychological warfare he waged before even stepping foot in the ring. Opponents would often crack under the pressure of his stare, the aura of invincibility that surrounded him, and the inevitability of what was to come. Many thought they could beat Tyson, but very few actually came close.

Fast forward to today, and Jake Paul is using the same tactics—trash talk, bravado, and social media stunts—to get under Tyson’s skin. But Jake Paul should be careful, because history has shown that Tyson is no stranger to brash opponents. And the last man to taunt him with the same cocky confidence was McNeely, a fighter who, like Paul, was determined to get the spotlight by taking down the mighty Tyson.

The “Hurricane” McNeely: The Last Cocky Opponent

Peter McNeely, a Massachusetts native with a record filled with wins over relatively low-level competition, made a name for himself with his big talk. In the mid-90s, before his fight with Tyson, McNeely was brimming with confidence. He wasn’t just coming to fight Tyson—he was coming to beat him. Like Jake Paul today, McNeely played the role of the cocky challenger, hyping up the fight with promises of knocking out the legend.

At the pre-fight press conferences, McNeely made waves by mocking Tyson. He was unafraid to speak his mind, telling reporters and fans alike that he was ready to take Tyson’s crown. He boldly claimed Tyson’s aura of invincibility didn’t scare him, even joking about the size of Tyson’s muscles. McNeely believed that his own grit and determination would be enough to overcome the hype surrounding Tyson, and he was happy to talk up his chances of pulling off an upset.

But as we all know, confidence in boxing doesn’t always translate into victory.

The Tyson Response: Unforgiving and Brutal

When the bell rang for the Tyson vs McNeely fight on August 19, 1995, it didn’t take long for Tyson to remind McNeely—and the entire world—why he was the most feared man in boxing. McNeely came out swinging, just as promised. He charged at Tyson, seemingly unfazed by the legend across the ring. But it was all in vain. Tyson, ever the predator, saw McNeely’s aggression as nothing more than an opportunity to exploit.

In the first round, McNeely was knocked down twice—first by a body shot, then by a devastating uppercut. While McNeely was tough, he wasn’t prepared for the sheer ferocity and speed of Tyson’s punches. His heart was in the right place, but his skills and experience weren’t on the same level as the former heavyweight champion. Tyson wasn’t just faster or stronger—he was smarter. He knew exactly what to do to shut McNeely’s bravado down.

By the second round, Tyson had McNeely on the ropes, literally and figuratively. The fight ended after just 89 seconds, with McNeely being dropped for the third time, and his corner throwing in the towel to protect him from further damage.

Despite the early stoppage, McNeely was not the only one to have learned a tough lesson. The fight, while brief, served as a reminder of what happens when you underestimate Mike Tyson—or anyone who’s been at the top for as long as he has.

Jake Paul: A Modern-Day McNeely?

Watching Jake Paul’s pre-fight antics and listening to his brash claims, it’s hard not to draw a parallel to McNeely. Paul, who has built his boxing career largely on his personality and ability to sell a fight, is not lacking in the confidence department. He’s already stated he plans to “take out Tyson” and is positioning himself as the man to dethrone the legend. But much like McNeely, Jake Paul may be underestimating just how much skill and experience Tyson still has—even at 58 years old.

Paul, who has only fought a handful of opponents, many with limited boxing experience, has made a name for himself by defeating YouTubers, former MMA fighters, and basketball players. While he’s clearly dedicated to improving as a boxer, the jump from fighting novices to facing one of the greatest of all time is a massive leap. Tyson’s explosiveness, speed, and power remain undeniable, even in his later years.

Jake Paul’s best chance is his youth and his unpredictable nature—qualities that have helped him catch opponents off guard in the past. But Tyson has faced some of the best in the world, from Larry Holmes to Evander Holyfield, and has learned how to handle the trash talk and mind games that come with these big-ticket matchups. Tyson isn’t just a fighter; he’s a master of the mental game. And if Paul expects Tyson to be rattled by his comments, he may be in for a rude awakening.

The Lesson of McNeely: Humility in the Face of Tyson’s Fury

Looking back at Peter McNeely’s fight with Tyson, one thing becomes clear: there is a lesson in humility for anyone who dares to taunt Tyson. McNeely’s confidence was quickly crushed once he stepped into the ring and felt Tyson’s power. His corner threw in the towel because they knew there was no way McNeely was going to win the fight—not with Tyson in his prime, and not with Tyson on the comeback trail.

Jake Paul may think he can outlast Tyson in the ring, but he should remember that Tyson is still the same fighter who made grown men quake in their boots. Tyson’s legacy as the youngest heavyweight champion in history, his brutal knockout power, and his psychological warfare are all things Paul will need to contend with—if he even lasts long enough to get a chance.

In the end, Jake Paul’s bravado may play well in front of the cameras, but once he steps into the ring with Tyson, it will be the punches—not the trash talk—that matter. And if Paul ends up on the receiving end of Tyson’s fury, he’ll soon learn that there are some opponents whose confidence is built on years of hard work, pain, and the ability to make opponents regret ever stepping into the ring.

Jake Paul, take heed—Peter McNeely was the last fighter to talk big against Mike Tyson. His fate was sealed in under 90 seconds. Will yours be any different?